Data Analyst II

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is seeking qualified candidates for a Data Analyst II to join the Data & Analysis Team. This is the experienced level in the Analyst class series. Employees in this classification provide analytical and technical support to assigned programs, projects, and services and may manage smaller projects or components of larger efforts under the guidance of senior staff. 

This position includes significant work in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) using ESRI ArcGIS tools and platforms, along with data collection, management, and analysis and quality control/quality assurance. The role includes managing and maintaining datasets, conducting spatial analysis, and producing GIS-based maps, data visualizations, and analytical products that support planning and decision-making.

The position also involves working with Structured Query Language (SQL) Server databases and large, complex datasets, and contributing to data processing workflows, including the use of scripting or automation tools where appropriate. The role supports both ongoing data maintenance and the continued development of efficient, scalable, and well-documented workflows and data systems.

The Analyst II will work with spatial and non-spatial datasets related to transportation, housing, land use, and demographic trends to translate data into useful information for planning, policy, and investment decisions. The position works closely with GIS staff, analysts, modelers, and program teams across SACOG and with partner agencies throughout the region.

The Team:

The ideal candidate would be joining a team of highly skilled professionals with expertise in GIS, travel modeling, data analysis, programming, and visualization. The team applies advanced analytical methods and technical tools to help SACOG and regional partners make informed decisions about both immediate projects and the region’s long-term future. Their work includes developing and maintaining core datasets, analytical tools, visual resources, and data systems that support planning, policy, and investment decisions across the Sacramento region.

The Organization  

SACOG is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the six-county Sacramento region. Formed as a Joint Powers Authority, SACOG is governed by a board of 31 elected officials that directly represent all six counties and 22 cities in the region, and one ex-officio member (Caltrans). While transportation is core to SACOG’s role as a Metropolitan Planning Organization, SACOG has over two decades of experience approaching regional issues from an integrated perspective that examines the linkages between transportation, housing, economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and air quality. Under the leadership of its executive director, SACOG has a vision of a vibrant and thriving Sacramento region for all. Its mission is: SACOG convenes and connects the region to advance an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future.

Join our Agency 

SACOG values diversity and believes that a range of backgrounds brings a variety of ideas, perspectives and experiences that contribute to an innovative and collaborative environment in which talents are fully utilized, uniqueness is valued, and SACOG’s objectives are met. SACOG is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities.

In addition to being an organizational value, we also uphold equal opportunity under the law. SACOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. SACOG provides fair and equal opportunity for all with no discrimination because of race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. 

SACOG employs a dedicated and professional staff of 60 who work together to advance solutions to some of the region’s shared challenges of transportation, housing, air quality, climate change and the protection of the region’s agricultural and natural resources. SACOG fosters an inclusive, mission driven, and fun employee culture and offers flexible schedules.

SACOG will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental disabilities of an otherwise qualified individual who is an applicant or employee.

Why join SACOG? 

Teamwork:

• We work towards a shared vision while cultivating a workplace of collaboration, trust, and transparency. We create space for individual strengths and experiences to achieve more, together.

Community:

• We intentionally build an inclusive community where people can be themselves, share ideas, and pursue solutions. Together, we address challenges that are too big for any one person or group to solve on their own.

Dedication:

• We have the courage to tackle new challenges head on. We are driven by the opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impact on the region. We are committed to quality performance as we accomplish the agency’s goals.

Innovation:

• We strive for continuous improvement by reimagining the work and the way we do it. We use data and input to measure our progress, extract new insights, and elevate our work. This allows us to pave new paths into the future.

Hybrid Position

As an integral part of our organization, employees will provide support in a flexible work environment. This position will have the ability to telework two days per week. 

The remainder of the work week will be in-person. Employees are required to live within 200 miles of Sacramento. 

We support telework because it:

• Enhances employee productivity, satisfaction, and ability to collaborate.

• Improves recruitment and retention

• Reduces greenhouse gas emission, vehicle miles travels (VMT), traffic and parking congestion, and air pollution

Search Schedule

Filing Deadline:  July 31

First Round Interviews: Week of August 10

Second Round Interviews: Week of August 17

Reference Checks: Week of August 24

Desired Start Date: September 14

Exam

Candidates will complete an online soft skills assessment and may be asked to complete a practical exercise during the interview process, such as a technical presentation or walkthrough of prior work.

The Analyst II position provides technical and analytical support across SACOG programs and works collaboratively with staff throughout the agency. The role includes responsibility for managing datasets, conducting analysis, creating GIS-based maps and data visualization products, supporting project work, and contributing to ongoing improvements in data systems and workflows.

Employees exercise independent judgment within established procedures and are responsible for completing assignments, supporting project delivery, and contributing to team objectives.

The position provides professional support specializing in GIS and data analysis. Responsibilities include maintaining and improving existing datasets, workflows, and tools, as well as developing maps, visualizations, and other data products that communicate analytical findings effectively.

Projects and tasks may include data collection and integration, map production, spatial analysis, database management, development of visualization and communication products, and support for ongoing data processing workflows. 

In addition to duties specific to this role, typical Analyst II functions include:

• Maintain and manage GIS datasets, including regional base layers and related spatial data systems
• Acquire, clean, and integrate spatial and tabular data from local jurisdictions and external partners
• Perform spatial analysis to support transportation, land use, housing, and regional planning efforts
• Support recurring data updates and workflows used for monitoring and reporting
• Contribute to development and improvement of data workflows, including use of scripting or automation tools where appropriate
• Support development of mapping tools, dashboards, and web-based GIS applications (e.g., web maps, StoryMaps, or similar tools)
• Assist with data processing, integration, and organization across multiple datasets and systems
• Support spatial data preparation and analysis for modeling and analytical projects
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on datasets, data processing workflows, and analytical outputs, including validation, troubleshooting, and documentation of data quality issues
• Develop and maintain clear, well-documented, and reproducible datasets, workflows, and scripts, including supporting handoff and continuity of tools and processes across staff
• Assist with maintenance and support of enterprise GIS systems, including web maps, map services, and related platform components
• Contribute to development and maintenance of dashboards, monitoring tools, and recurring reporting products used for internal and external decision-making
• Support integration of data across systems and platforms, including coordinating inputs from multiple data sources and ensuring consistency across outputs
• Prepare maps, data products, and summaries for internal staff, member agencies, and external stakeholders
• Support development, maintenance, and improvement of GIS architecture and supporting systems, including coordination of datasets, map services, and applications that enable reliable analysis, mapping, and data delivery across the organization
• Coordinate with SACOG staff and partner agencies on data and GIS-related efforts
• Stay current on evolving GIS tools, data practices, and analytical approaches

We know and appreciate that everyone brings their own talents to a job. If we could have it all, here’s what ideal candidate would look like to us:

Knowledge of:

• Relevant GIS technologies and platforms, including ESRI ArcGIS (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, Portal/Enterprise), GIS web services, and enterprise geodatabases (ArcSDE)
• Spatial data management, analysis, and visualization techniques
• Data analysis concepts and tools
• Data management practices, including data quality and organization
• Modern tools used for GIS, data analysis, and data visualization

Ability to:

• Perform spatial and data analysis using GIS and related tools
• Work with both spatial and tabular datasets
• Apply scripting or automation approaches (such as Python or similar tools) to support data processing and workflow improvement
• Analyze and interpret data and present findings clearly
• Prepare maps, visualizations, reports, and written materials
• Manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Work independently and collaboratively
• Learn and apply new tools and systems
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff and external partners

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in GIS, geography, urban planning, data science, computer science, statistics, or a related field
• One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in GIS, spatial analysis, data analysis, or a closely related field

Desired: 

Experience with ArcGIS, scripting (such as Python), visualization, dashboards, SQL databases, and data workflow automation. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.   Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

This is primarily a sedentary classification and the employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The employee interfaces with staff, management, other agency representatives, member jurisdictions, government officials, business representatives, and the general public in explaining SACOG policies and requesting and providing information.